1. Roots – This was a miniseries, not a movie, but nonetheless probably had the most impact on me growing up. I vividly remember my Mom and Dad allowing me and my sister to stay up pass nine o’clock on a school night to watch this series. It was the first time I learned about my African history, which sparked a lot of conversation not only in my household, but at school as well. We studied some black history in school, but nothing like what Alex Haley put on TV. I remember the series initially brought about outrage in the community, as a result of the slavery plot. But towards the end of the miniseries that outrage was replaced by a sense of pride, understanding and responsibility. Roots received 37 Emmy Award nominations wining nine of them. It also won a Golden Globe and Peabody Award.
Try to think back and list your top five movies that changed your life in some way. Challenge your friends to do the same and then share your list with each other. You will be amazed to discover the number of movies that you forgot about that could have easily made your list. After all…”Life is like a box of chocolates.”